Study Reveals Limited Awareness of RSV and Vaccine Eligibility Among Older Adults

Recent research indicates that knowledge regarding respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the associated vaccine eligibility is significantly low among older adults, especially those who have been hospitalized. The findings were published in JAMA Network Open, highlighting a pressing public health concern.

The study, conducted by researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), focused on adults aged 60 years and older who were hospitalized due to RSV-negative acute respiratory illnesses during the initial season of RSV vaccination, spanning from October 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024.

Out of 6,746 hospitalized participants, a mere 10.4% had received the RSV vaccine, while a staggering 89.6% remained unvaccinated. Among the 3,219 unvaccinated individuals who answered questions about their knowledge of RSV, a concerning 47.2% reported that they had either never heard of the virus or were uncertain about it. Additionally, 78.5% expressed uncertainty regarding their eligibility for vaccination or believed they were not eligible.

The study identified several characteristics associated with higher rates of RSV vaccination. Older age, particularly individuals aged 75 and above, and male gender were linked to increased vaccination rates, with adjusted risk ratios of 1.23 and 1.15, respectively. Other factors included having pulmonary diseases and being immunocompromised, with adjusted risk ratios of 1.39 and 1.30. Additionally, individuals with a low or moderate social vulnerability index were more likely to have received the vaccine (adjusted risk ratio of 1.47). Educational attainment also played a significant role, with those having completed four or more years of college showing a much higher likelihood of vaccination (adjusted risk ratios of 2.91 for four years of college, 1.85 for some college or technical training, and 1.44 for high school graduates or those with a General Educational Development certificate).

Conversely, residents of long-term care facilities, individuals with Medicaid coverage, and uninsured patients had lower vaccination rates, highlighting disparities in access to healthcare resources.

The authors of the study emphasized the necessity for ongoing monitoring in subsequent RSV seasons. They suggested that simplifying vaccination recommendations, enhancing awareness about RSV, and improving access to preventive healthcare services could potentially lead to increased vaccination rates among older adults who are at a higher risk for severe disease.

As public health officials continue to address the risks associated with RSV, it is vital to foster better understanding and accessibility of vaccination options for older populations. The study underlines the importance of education and outreach efforts aimed at ensuring that vulnerable groups are informed and protected against RSV.